Man gets 60 years in prison for 2022 murders of a dad and his 2-year-old son, Harris County DA says

A Houston man has received a 60-year prison sentence for the 2022 murders of a father and his 2-year-old son, as announced by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Bolanle Olayinka Fadairo, 40, pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of murder in the deaths of Michael Essien, 38, and his son, Micah.

District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed condolences to the family, highlighting the loss of a loving father and an innocent child. She emphasized the pursuit of justice and accountability, stating that Fadairo’s conviction ensures he will be incarcerated for decades, potentially for life.

Essien, a married father of four, had been friends with Fadairo since high school and had extended numerous gestures of support, including offering odd jobs and allowing Fadairo to use his address for mail delivery.

The fatal altercation occurred on Sept. 20, 2022, when an argument between Fadairo and Essien escalated over a task assignment. Fadairo demanded money, leading to a confrontation outside a strip store in southwest Houston. Surveillance footage captured Fadairo shooting Essien, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Following the shooting, Fadairo fled in Essien’s Chevrolet SUV, where Micah was seated in the back. Surveillance footage showed Fadairo abandoning the stolen vehicle a few miles away, leaving the toddler inside in sweltering conditions.

Houston Police Department officers located the stolen SUV hours later, finding the toddler deceased inside. Fadairo was apprehended the next day.

As part of the plea deal, Fadairo is sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison before being eligible for parole. He is prohibited from appealing the sentence or challenging the murder convictions.